RIFLE SHOOTING

Evening Star, Issue 23444, 8 December 1939, Page 4

RIFLE SHOOTING

OTAGO ASSOCIATION The annual meeting of the Otago Rifle Association was held last night, Colonel E. R. Smith presiding over a large attendance of members. The annual report stated that the sixty-fifth annual prize firing of the association, held at Polichet Bay rifle range at Easter, attracted a record of 159 entries. A number of ex-Otago champions competed and registered excellent scores. Captain W. N. Masefield, New Zealand champion, and Rifleman B. Masefield, both of Blenheim, took part. The meeting was successful financially, and despite the fact that over £2O was added to the prize list the association recovered the loss sustained at the 1938 meeting. After detailing the various shooting events of the year, the report stated that the standard of shooting was higher than for several years. The range officers. Sergeant-major T. A. S. M’Kenzio and Sergeant J. R. Kennedy, both of the New Zealand Permanent Staff, carried out their duties creditably. Unfortunately both had since been transferred to Christchurch. Regret was expressed at the death of Mr A. J. Shaw, a vice-president, who bad given good support to the association. Moving the adoption of the annual report, the Chairman referred to the Easter tournament next year, expressing doubt whether it would be possible to obtain ammunition from the Defence Department. There was necessity to conserve ammunition, and there was no way of knowing how much there was in the Dominion. At the same time it was essential that young men should be taught how to shoot and given every opportunity to learn to use the rifle. The report was adopted. OFFICE-BEARERS. The following officers-bearers were

elected: —Patron, Hon. F. Jones; vicepatron, Colonel P. H. Bell, D. 5.0., N.Z.5.0.; president, Colonel E, R. Smith, 0.8. E, V.D.; vice-presidents— Sir James Allen, Sir James Hutchison, Major P. Mackenzie, Major A. Bongard, Captain R. Fraser, Captain A. P. M'Cormack, Hon, W. Downie Stewart, Dr D. G. M’Millan, M.P., Messrs A. H. Allen, P. Neilson, M.P., D. S. Chisholm, H, P. Kidson, and presidents of rifle clubs in Otago; executive—Colonel E. R. Smith, Messrs R. K. Johnston, A. T. Graham, C. Gamble, R. M’Keich, James Armstrong, R. Leslie, jun., V. Percy, R. Bruce, O. G. Miller, R. Mullenger; delegate to National Rifle Association, Mr A. T. Graham; delegate to Territorial Association, Mr R. Bruce; auditor, Mr R. Bruce: lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr H. J. Whitehead.

EASTER TOURNAMENT.

Reverting to the Easter tournament, the secretary (Mr H. J. Whitehead! said that the chances of holding it were rather thin, due to the ammunition situation. Ho was endeavouring to purchase ammunition, but could not yet say whether he would be successful or not. Every avenue would he explored to see if it were possible to hold the gathering. . , .... After brief discussion it was decided tentatively to hold the tournament on March 22, 23, and 25.